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Italy include ex-Broncos skipper Craig Gower in World Cup squad

Former London Broncos captain Craig Gower has been included in Italy's 24-man World Cup squad.

Last Updated: 24/09/13 10:49am

Craig Gower: Named in Italy World Cup squad

Former London Broncos captain Craig Gower has been included in Italy's 24-man World Cup squad.

The 35-year-old Gower, who has played for the Kangaroos and for Italy's rugby union team, left the Londoners in June to take up a short-term deal with Newcastle Knights.

Experienced St Helens' prop Anthony Laffranchi is also included, along with Warrington's teenage centre James Saltonstall and ex-Manly prop Vic Mauro, who was released by Salford towards the end of the season.

The team will be led by full-back Anthony Minichiello - another former Australia international - who is joined in the squad by brother Mark.

Italy will play England in a warm-up match in Salford on October 19, a week before opening their World Cup campaign against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.